NEW DELHI: The Congress government in Karnataka, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is facing renewed turbulence after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has once again revived his claim to the top post.
The assertion, party insiders say, stems from an understanding reportedly reached in May–June 2023 between Shivakumar and Rahul Gandhi that the five-year term would be shared between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
Both leaders have in recent weeks held separate meetings with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi in Bengaluru and Delhi. However, top Congress sources indicate that the high command is inclined to allow Siddaramaiah to complete the full term, shutting the door—for now—on any leadership change.
Shivakumar, however, is reminding the leadership of the earlier power-sharing commitment and claims that a substantial number of MLAs back his elevation. In June 2023, he had asserted the support of a majority of legislators, though he eventually relented after Rahul Gandhi intervened and asked him to wait for “the right time.”
Amid the renewed churn, around 25 Congress MLAs, reportedly aligned with Shivakumar, are currently camping in Delhi. Congress sources downplay the development, insisting that the MLAs are not pressing for a change of leadership but are seeking long-pending ministerial berths—something the party may consider in an upcoming cabinet expansion.
Meanwhile, the BJP is keeping a close watch. For the past few days, there has been heightened political activity within the party. Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP’s national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh on Monday to assess the state’s political situation. Sources say the BJP is exploring opportunities should the internal tussle in Congress escalate.
BJP insiders claim that Shivakumar has, on a few occasions in recent months, held informal meetings with senior BJP leaders, including Amit Shah.
While no formal proposal is on the table, the BJP is believed to be signalling that it may extend outside support if Shivakumar rebels and attempts to form a government by splitting the Congress Legislature Party.
A Congress leader close to congress president Kharge denied the suggestion that he (Kharge) may be made CM of Karnataka as he belong to the State and he has spent about 35 years as an MLA and minister.
The BJP, with 82 seats along with allies in the 224-member Assembly, remains far short of a majority, while the Congress holds 142 seats. Still, party strategists are reportedly studying the possibility of a Maharashtra-style operation—similar to the 2022 Eknath Shinde rebellion, in which the BJP backed a breakaway faction to form the government.
Congress leaders, however, insist the Siddaramaiah government remains “fully stable.” A senior aide close to Rahul Gandhi said Shivakumar has been clearly told to wait, adding that the central leadership is currently preoccupied with the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament and will revisit the issue early next year.
Despite official denials, political observers believe both parties are quietly preparing for high-stakes manoeuvres as Karnataka heads into a politically sensitive phase.
(Writer is Senior Journalist and Political Commentator)
